Sparky, I've had bad experiences with SFHD, and in particular, Murrae. They screwed up the 1250 bigbore install on my S2 three times, I finally brought it up to NRHS where they found wrong gaskets, valves not clearanced, etc. A friend up in Santa Fe had them install an oil pinon gearin her X1, her motor grenaded 300 miles later, Santa Fe tried blaming her, lost the case, had to repair it for free. 450 miles later, (after she sold the bike), it grenaded again. Who's fault? Kim Pritchard brought her city-X to them to have her 6000 mile service done, two days after she got it back, we were on a ride, and I noticed her forks were installed incorrectly. I've seen enough bad work, lack of attention to detail, and just plain poor craftsmanship come from that shop. During the whole time, Murrae, the slick, used car salesman was telling me. "don't worry bro, we'll take care of you"... So yea, I have no respect for that shop, although many others do, and that is their choice.

I like Steve at MA. I have only had tires mounted and balanced there, but they have never scratched my rims, have decent prices, and Steve seems to WANT to do us right. It also seems as though they take care of many of the "racers" in town. They have a Buell there for sale now, and I know they have had other Buells in and out of the shop in the past. I would bring my Buell to MA before taking it to SFHD, but that is just my opinion. I work on my bikes myself, have all the tools needed for all the major work, on ALL my bikes. Its a great hobby.

OH, and I'm NOT independently wealthy, just single, no kids, retired military, working to pass the time and buy more bikes. You will get old like me, and probably enjoy life more than I am. I'm sure Obama will make sure of that...

Oh, and CJ, the spot tracker comes with a little case that has belt loops on it to slide onto your belt. You could just cable tie that case to your bike somewhere for the time being. I just clip mine to my rear case.

Sparky, water can also get into the primary through the clutch cable. During washing, water can get into the cable up by the lever, and drain down into the primary. Water also gets in through the vent if you ride in the rain alot.

Bart, thanks for the input, much appreciated. As it turns out, MA is where I bought Nick's Scg on consignment. I've yet to check out Steve's new shop. Damn, NHRS is a long way to go though. Surely there must be someplace local that can do quality work.

I lack the specialty tools to work on it myself and would simply just want someplace reputable to take responsibility for the work they do and make it right with the customer if it isn't to their satisfaction. It seems HD is only interested in moving iron and bling out the door.

You are right about moving iron, and bling out the door. Profit is the name of the game with HD.

I think Steve would take care of you when it comes to getting work done on your bike. He seems like a pretty stand up guy to me. I believe the only bearings in the primary is behind the clutch, so it should be pretty straight forward replacing them.

Water in the chain case seems pretty extraordinary. I've seen the white milky stuff in another XB but not any visible quantity of water. Large quantities of water do not sound good at all... Small amounts of the creamy moisture may form by condensation in the cooler weather but it burns (evaporates) off with engine heat.

SFHD replaced the stator a couple of months before it was put up for sale at MA. SFHD techs have been the only ones inside the motor cover... They should have adjusted the chain within specs and it would be unusual for the chain to stretch/slacken that much since the bike was last serviced by them. Perhaps they would be willing to check their computer and extend some "courtesy" to the new owner?

As an alternative, I've heard Tom Y. at T-bird is very Buell knowledgeable...

As for MA... not sure what these two new techs can do... I've only let them do tires/balancing.

No worries Nick, wasn't anyone's fault. 20500 miles on it now. I changed the primary and engine oil in March soon after I bought it and it has been running fine up until last week when I noticed the noise from the clutch case. Pulled the cover and it was totally emulsified with water, looked like a Starbucks double shot latte. I haven't inspected the cable boot and o-ring yet but I'd bet that's how the water got in. The chain wasn't hardly out of spec as far as I could tell, I've read that some run their chain as loose as 3/4".

I really would just like to have it checked out and serviced reliably. So many conflicting stories about T-bird and SFHD. Best case is it's just the clutch basket bearing.

Sparky,T-Bird also has a tech named Duane Aragon... He is a Master-tech, and very VERY Buell Friendly (he used to own a XB12SCG). I may be a bit biased since I work with his wife, but he does know what he is doing. I cant complain about Scott up at SFHD either.

As for MA, I havent had any significant work done there with my Buell as it has had the pre-paid service deal with SFHD, but I have had my Honda worked on there, and I can assure you that the mechanics do good work, and Steve will go above and beyond to make sure you are happy...

So for the last few weeks my left arm has been hurting after my little accident. I've been getting this sharp pain that runs from my wrist to my elbow if I rotate it certain ways, I knew it wasnt broken because of X-rays. Anyway, I went out riding with some friends last night, and I think I am now cured! Go figure, the thing that made it hurt, also made it feel better. The healing power of motorcycles

So it looks like I will be coming to springfast without my buell, the oil line I needed was sent, twice, correct packaging, wrong part. So even with overnight express shipping she won't be ready till the weekend. They have offered me a harley loaner for the weekend and I am going to look at it later today, I will be able to enjoy the company if not the corners as much.

Okay, I will be going to springfast, but I will be riding a Harley Heritage Softail, 6 speed, very smooth, NO LEAN ANGLE!! I will be definetly bringing up the rear this weekend. But at least I will be there. And at no cost too, Tucson HD is trying to do me right and not charge me for most of the work they have done, in talking with Buell techs in wisconsin they have finally diagnosed the oiling problem to one of the lines. The problem now is that the lines they sent were in the right package but were in fact the wrong line. So the correct line should be there Friday and the bike should be roadworthy Saturday or Sunday. I have the "barge" free till Tuesday...so I will meet you guys from Phoenix in Globe at 1030...

I just want to thank everyone that attended the SpringFast ride. Kelly and Lisette, Nick, Tylor, CJ, Jody, Adam and Stacy, and Art. I had a great time, and hope you did also. I will post up pictures when I get a chance, Nick, thanks for taking videos and posting them up! Now lets see everyone else's pics!